JP2017228209A - Device and system for input/output control - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for sharing general-purpose input/output terminals (ports) of a device to enable switching among various input/output patterns.SOLUTION: An input/output control device including a microcomputer is provided, the microcomputer having a plurality of dedicated ports (P1-P3) configured to receive external voltages, general-purpose input/output ports (M1, M2) that are different from the plurality of dedicated ports, and a controller for controlling the general-purpose input/output ports. The controller detects whether a level of voltage received by each dedicated port is one or the other of two values, and switches each of the general-purpose input/output ports either to an input port or output port in accordance with a combination pattern consisting of a combination of detected values of the dedicated ports.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an input / output control device and an input / output control system, and more particularly to an input / output control device and an input / output control system for switching an input / output port of a microcomputer (abbreviation of a microcomputer).

  As microcomputers for electronic devices, microcomputers with built-in flash memory are increasingly used. Although the flash memory is a ROM (Read Only Memory) whose stored contents do not disappear even when the power is turned off, there is an advantage that the stored contents can be rewritten. In the production line of electronic devices, paying attention to this advantage, the writing of the program to the flash memory is performed after the completion of the assembly of the controller equipped with the microcomputer (filling of a potting agent for waterproofing the control board). However, since there are no terminals for writing on the substrate, a writing dedicated jig is prepared and a program is written through the dedicated jig. For this reason, there is a problem that a transfer failure occurs due to a dedicated jig and the program cannot be written, or it takes time to write.

  Regarding such a problem, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-196713) normally connects an outdoor unit to a terminal of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, but when updating or changing a control program, A configuration in which a program writer is connected instead of the outdoor unit is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-300203) discloses that when a new control board for after-sales service is connected via a connection terminal portion of a remote controller of a water heater, data from the old control board that has failed is displayed. A configuration is disclosed in which the new control board receives and stores the data via the connection terminal portion.

JP 2008-196713 A JP-A-10-300203

  As described above, Patent Documents 1 and 2 make it possible to eliminate the dedicated jig by using a configuration in which the terminal of the electronic device is shared by both the existing function and the program rewriting function. However, on the production line site, in addition to writing a program for an electronic device, it is necessary to inspect various items while inputting / outputting data or signals to / from the electronic device. There was a request to carry out inspection items.

  However, as described above, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a configuration in which a terminal of an electronic device is shared by both an existing function and a program rewriting function, but the terminal is shared for various inspection items in a production line. There is no disclosure of the configuration.

  An object of this disclosure is to provide an input / output control device and an input / output control system that allow various switching of input / output patterns by sharing a general-purpose input / output terminal (port) of the device.

  An input / output control device including a microcomputer according to an aspect of the present invention is provided. The microcomputer includes a plurality of dedicated ports that receive voltage from the outside, a general-purpose input / output port that is different from the plurality of dedicated ports, and a control unit that controls the general-purpose input / output port. Is detected as a binary potential, and the general-purpose input / output port is switched to an input port or an output port in accordance with a combination pattern consisting of a combination of detection values of each dedicated port.

  Preferably, the control unit starts detection when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input / output control device was reset.

  Preferably, the input / output control device further includes a connector detachably attached to the plurality of dedicated ports, and the potential of each dedicated port is determined by the type of the attached connector.

  An input / output control system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described input / output control device, a power source, and a plurality of types of connectors that can be attached to and detached from a plurality of dedicated ports. Each connector has a plurality of connector pins provided at positions corresponding to the dedicated ports, and each connector has a combination of the number of connector pins connected to the power source and the position of the connector pins when the connector is installed. Is different.

  In an aspect of the present disclosure, by changing the combination pattern described above for each inspection item, data input / output for the inspection item can be performed for each inspection item via the general-purpose input / output port.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an input / output control device and an input / output control system according to a first embodiment; It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of table 122A and 122B concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of processing according to the first exemplary embodiment; It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of the input / output control system concerning Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an input / output control device according to each embodiment and a system including the input / output control device will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the site | part to which the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in the drawing referred below performs the same function, the description is not repeated unless there is particular need.

[Overview]
An input / output control device according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of dedicated ports each receiving a voltage from the outside, a general-purpose input / output port different from the plurality of dedicated ports, and a control unit that controls the general-purpose input / output port. Prepare. The control unit detects whether the voltage received by each dedicated port is binary (the voltage value is a potential having a logic level of High / Low), and consists of a set of High / Low that is a detection value of each dedicated port. According to the combination pattern, the general-purpose input / output port is switched to one of the input port and the output port.

  Therefore, by changing the above combination pattern for the dedicated port, it is possible to switch the input / output of the general-purpose input / output port according to each combination pattern. As a result, when the input / output control device is applied to the input / output control of the control microcomputer of the electronic device, it becomes possible to switch the input / output via the general-purpose input / output of the microcomputer according to the combination pattern, Various inspection items can be performed on the electronic device or its microcomputer.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an input / output control device and an input / output control system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1A, the input / output control system includes a microcomputer 1 and a connector 14.

  The microcomputer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a communication I / F (abbreviation for interface) 11 for communicating with an external device such as a water heater, a volatile memory, and a nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash memory). Section 12, input / output I / F (abbreviation of interface) 13, dedicated ports P1, P2 and P3, and general-purpose input / output ports M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5. A control board (not shown) is mounted with a microcomputer 1 and a base connector 141 described later, and is filled with a potting agent. The base connector 141 is provided so as to protrude from the filling surface.

  The storage unit 12 includes a data area 120 and a program area 121 for storing various data and programs such as data and programs for controlling external devices. The storage unit 12 stores tables 122A and 122B described later.

  The input / output I / F 13 stores a circuit (for example, the value of the input / output voltage) for inputting / outputting signals through the dedicated ports P1 to P3 and the general purpose input / output ports M1 to M5 under the control of the CPU 10. Register).

  A connector 14 is detachably attached to the dedicated ports P1 to P3 and the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2. For example, an inspection connector is attached when writing (updating) a program to the program area 121 or when inspecting. A control connector is attached at normal times (for example, when controlling an external device).

  Each of the dedicated ports P1 to P3 receives a voltage for switching the general-purpose input / output port M1 or M2 to an input port or an output port via the attached connector 14.

  The general-purpose input / output ports M1 to M5 input / output signals for control during normal times (for example, when controlling external devices such as a water heater). The signal for control includes, for example, a designated input signal for continuous combustion time (10 minutes or 20 minutes) or a designated input signal for gas type (13A, LPG).

  The dedicated port P1 is set to High (hereinafter abbreviated as 'H') by being connected to the power supply Vcc through a resistor. The dedicated ports P2 and P3 are set to Low (hereinafter abbreviated as L) by being grounded (GND) through resistors. The general purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are also set to 'L' by being grounded (GND) through resistors.

  The dedicated ports are not limited to three ports P1 to P3, and the general-purpose input / output ports to which input / output is switched are not limited to two ports M1 and M2.

(Connector configuration and combination pattern)
The connector 14 includes a base connector 141 and a housing connector 142. The base connector 141 has connector pins B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5. Connector pins B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 are arranged at positions corresponding to dedicated ports P1, P2 and P3 and general purpose input / output ports M1 and M2, respectively. Each connector pin is electrically connected to a corresponding port via a resistor. The housing connector 142 has connector pins H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5 arranged at positions corresponding to the connector pins B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5, respectively. One of the base connector 141 and the housing connector 142 is a female connector, and the other is a male connector. Both are detachably connected by fitting.

  In the housing connector 142, the connector pins H1 and H2 among the connector pins H1 to H3 corresponding to the dedicated ports P1 to P3 are short-circuited by the connection 143. Therefore, when the housing connector 142 is attached to the base connector 141, the circuit of the power source Vcc → connector pin B1 → connector pin H1 → connection 143 → connector pin H2 → connector pin B2 → dedicated port P2 is established, and the dedicated port P2 is switched from “L” to “H”. The dedicated port P1 remains “H” and the dedicated port P3 remains “L”. In this case, the CPU 10 detects the value of the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1, P2, and P3 via the input / output I / F 13, and determines a combination pattern (H, H, L) including a set of detection values.

  FIGS. 1B to 1D show a housing connector having a combination pattern different from the housing connector 142 of FIG. For example, the housing connector 142 in FIG. 1B is different from FIG. 1A in that the connector pins H1 to H3 corresponding to the dedicated ports P1 to P3 are short-circuited by the connection 143. Therefore, when the housing connector 142 in FIG. 1B is attached to the base connector 141, the CPU 10 detects the value of the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1, P2, and P3 via the input / output I / F 13, and detects the detected values. A combination pattern (H, H, H) consisting of a set of values is determined.

  In the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1C, the connector pins H1 and H3 are short-circuited by the connection 143 among the connector pins H1 to H3 corresponding to the dedicated ports P1 to P3. Therefore, when the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1C is attached to the base connector 141, the CPU 10 detects the value of the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1, P2, and P3 via the input / output I / F 13 and detects A combination pattern (H, L, H) consisting of a set of values is determined.

  In the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1D, the connector pins H1 to H3 corresponding to the dedicated ports P1 to P3 are not short-circuited by the connection 143. Therefore, when the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1D is attached to the base connector 141, the CPU 10 detects the value of the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1, P2, and P3 via the input / output I / F 13 and detects them. A combination pattern (H, L, L) consisting of a set of values is determined.

(Table structure)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the tables 122A and 122B according to the first embodiment. 2A shows a table 122A searched at the time of inspection, and FIG. 2B shows a table 122B searched at the normal time. In the table 122A at the time of inspection, the three combination patterns 16 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and the data 17 are registered in association with each combination pattern. The data 17 includes the type of function corresponding to the associated combination pattern, and switching data indicating whether the general purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are switched to the input port or the output port in the function.

  The type of function of the data 17 includes an inspection item and “program writing”. The inspection items include, for example, “LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting” for displaying the inspection result and “processing data reading” of the microcomputer 1.

  The switching data of “LED lighting” indicated by the data 17 indicates that both the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are switched to output ports. The switching data of “process data read” indicated by the data 17 indicates that both the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are switched to the output port, and indicates that data is output from the general-purpose input / output port M1. The general input / output port M2 indicates that an address from which data is read is output.

  In addition, the “program write” switching data of data 17 indicates that both the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are switched to the input port, and program data (program code) is input from the general-purpose input / output port M1. This indicates that an address for writing a program is input from the general-purpose input / output port M2.

  According to the table 122A of FIGS. 1 and 2A, when the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1A is attached, the CPU 10 determines the combination pattern (H, H, L). Therefore, the CPU 10 searches the table 122A based on the combination pattern (H, H, L), and uses the program data input from the general-purpose input / output port M1 based on the search result using the address input from the general-purpose input / output port M2. It is determined that the “program write” function for writing to the program area 121 is set by the designated address.

  When the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1B is attached, the CPU 10 determines the combination pattern (H, H, H). Therefore, the CPU 10 searches the table 122A based on the combination pattern (H, H, H), and outputs a control signal for turning on an LED (not shown) from the general-purpose input / output port M1 or M2 based on the search result. It is determined that is set.

  When the housing connector 142 of FIG. 1C is attached, the CPU 10 determines the combination pattern (H, L, H). Therefore, the CPU 10 searches the table 122A based on the combination pattern (H, L, H), reads the data in the data area 120 by addressing based on the search result, and outputs the read data from the general-purpose input / output port M1. Then, it is determined that the function for outputting the designated address from the general-purpose input / output port M2 is set.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, in the normal table 122B, for example, the type of control signal of the water heater is associated with the combination pattern (H, L, L) shown in FIG. It is registered in association with a set of general purpose input / output ports M1 and M2. For example, when the voltages received by the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M indicate the pattern (L, L), the CPU 10 searches the table 122B based on the pattern (L, L), thereby obtaining a continuous combustion time of 10 minutes. The control signal can be read and set.

  Similarly, when the voltages received by the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M indicate the pattern (H, L), the CPU 10 controls the control signal from the table 122B based on the pattern (H, L) for 20 minutes as a continuous combustion time. Can be read and set.

  Similarly, when the voltage received by the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M indicates the pattern (H, H) or (L, H), the CPU 10 performs the operation based on the pattern (H, H) or (L, H). The control signal of 13A or LPG can be read and set as the gas type from the table 122B.

  As described above, when the connector 14 is attached, the CPU 10 detects whether the voltage received by each of the dedicated ports P1, P2, and P3 is binary (H or L), and detects each dedicated port. Based on the combination pattern consisting of value pairs, the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 are switched to input ports or output ports, and the contents (program data, read / write) are input (or output) from each general-purpose input / output port. Address, control signal) can be determined.

(Processing flowchart)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of processing according to the first embodiment. The program according to this flowchart is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The processing is realized by the CPU 110 reading and executing the program. The process of FIG. 3 is started when the CPU 10 is reset by turning on the power of the microcomputer 1 or the like.

  After starting the process, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed using a timer (step S5). The predetermined time is determined based on the time required for the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1 to P3 when the connector 14 is attached to be sufficiently stabilized.

  CPU 10 repeats the process of step S5 while it is not determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S5). On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S5), the CPU 10 inputs / outputs whether the voltage received by the dedicated ports P1 to P3 is binary (H or L). Detection is performed via the I / F 13 (step S6). And CPU10 determines the combination pattern which consists of a set of the detection value of each dedicated port.

  The CPU 10 determines whether the pattern is “inspection” or “normal” according to the determined combination pattern (step S7). When the CPU 10 determines that the combination pattern of the voltage values received by the dedicated P1 to P3 is (H, L, L), that is, when the housing connector 142 of FIG. ("Normal" in step S7), and when it is determined that the combination pattern is other than that, that is, when the housing connector 142 of FIGS. (“Inspection” in step S7).

  When it is determined as “normal” (“normal” in step S7), the CPU 10 inputs the voltage value received by the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 (step S15), and the input value pattern ((L, L ), (H, L), (H, H), or (L, H)) (step S16), and the control signal is read from the table 122B and set by the search (step S17). ). 'Setting' means that the content (combustion time or gas type) indicated by the control signal is stored in the data area 120, for example. The CPU 10 can control the operation of the water heater in accordance with the setting contents by the control signal by executing the control program while referring to the contents stored in the data area 120 during the operation of the water heater.

  If “inspection” is determined (“inspection” in step S7), the CPU 10 searches the table 122A based on the voltage value pattern received by the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 (step S12). According to the search result, each of the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 is switched to either an input port or an output port, and contents (program, data, address, control) input (or output) from each general-purpose input / output port Signal) is determined (step S13).

  For example, when “program write” is determined (“program write” in step S13), the CPU 10 switches the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 to input ports via the input / output I / F 13. Serially transmitted program data is input from the general-purpose input / output port M1, and address data is input from the general-purpose input / output port M2. The CPU 10 writes the program data input from the general-purpose input / output port M1 into the program area 121 by addressing using the address input from the general-purpose input / output port M2 (steps S19 and S20).

  When “data read” is determined (“data read” in step S13), the CPU 10 switches the general-purpose input / output ports M1 and M2 to output ports via the input / output I / F 13. The CPU 10 reads data from the data area 120 by address designation, and outputs the data read from the general-purpose input / output port M1 by serial transmission. Further, the CPU 10 outputs the designated address used for reading from the general-purpose input / output port M2 (steps S23 and S25).

  In addition, when “LED lighting” is determined (“LED lighting” in step S13), the CPU 10 switches the general-purpose input / output port M1 or M2 to the output port via the input / output I / F 13 to perform general-purpose input. A control signal for lighting the LED is output from the output port M1 or M2 (steps S27 and S29).

  After completion of the program writing described above or after completion of data reading, or after the LED is turned on or a control signal is input, the series of processes in FIG. 3 ends.

[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment shows a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the input / output control system according to the second embodiment. 4 differs from FIG. 1 in the configuration of the housing connector 142, but the configuration of the microcomputer 1 is the same as that in FIG. 1, and description thereof will not be repeated. Here, the difference will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, when the connector 14 is mounted, there are four combinations of the number of connector pins connected to the power supply Vcc and the position of the connector pins. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, an external inspection apparatus or the like is connected, and the pattern can be changed to eight patterns shown in FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (H). Specifically, in FIGS. 4A to 4H, a connector pin H0 is added to the housing connector 142, and the power supply Vcc is connected to the connector pin H0. For the remaining connector pins H1 to H3, combinations of the number of connector pins short-circuited to the power supply Vcc via the connector pin H0 by the connection 143 and the positions of the connector pins are shown in FIGS. The pattern can be changed to eight patterns shown in H). 4 (B) to 4 (H), the power supply Vcc is not shown, but the power supply Vcc is connected to the connector pin H0 in the same manner as in FIG. 4 (B).

  For example, when the housing connector 142 of FIG. 4A is attached, the combination pattern is (H, H, L). Similarly, in the case of FIG. 4B, it becomes (H, H, H), in the case of FIG. 4C, it becomes (H, L, H), and in the case of FIG. , H), (L, L, H) in the case of FIG. 4 (E), (L, H, L) in the case of FIG. 4 (F), (H, H in the case of FIG. 4 (G)). L, L), and (L, L, L) in the case of FIG.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the number of types of inspection items can be increased as compared with the first embodiment by increasing the combination patterns as compared with the first embodiment. As an inspection item, it is possible to inspect by operating a load of an external device.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 microcomputer, 12 storage unit, 14 connector, 120 data area, 121 program area, 122A, 122B table, 141 base connector, 142 housing connector, 143 connection, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, H0, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 connector pins, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 general purpose input / output ports, P1, P2, P3 dedicated ports.

Claims (4)

An input / output control device including a microcomputer,
The microcomputer is
Multiple dedicated ports that receive voltage from outside,
A general-purpose input / output port different from the plurality of dedicated ports;
A control unit for controlling the general-purpose input / output port;
The controller is
Detecting which of the binary potentials the voltage received by each dedicated port is detected, and switching the general-purpose input / output port to an input port or an output port according to a combination pattern composed of a combination of detection values of each dedicated port , I / O controller. The controller is
The input / output control device according to claim 1, wherein the detection is started when a predetermined time has elapsed since the control device was reset. The input / output control device further includes a connector that is detachably attached to the plurality of dedicated ports,
The input / output control device according to claim 1, wherein the potential of each dedicated port is determined by a type of the connector to be mounted. The input / output control device according to claim 1 or 2,
Power supply,
A plurality of types of connectors detachably attached to the plurality of dedicated ports;
Each of the connectors has a plurality of connector pins provided at positions corresponding to the dedicated ports,
Each connector is an input / output control system in which the combination of the number of connector pins connected to the power source and the position of the connector pins is different from the combination of other connectors at the time of mounting.

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